Lawrence, MA vs Worcester, MA

Worcester is moderately more affordable than Lawrence, with a 10.9% lower cost of living index. Lawrence scores 118 compared to 107 for Worcester, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Lawrence can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Lawrence is $1,569/month compared to $1,415/month in Worcester — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Worcester is more affordable at $339,500 median vs $393,500.

Median household income in Lawrence is $57,903 compared to $67,544 in Worcester (-14.3%). Worcester offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Lawrence spend roughly 32.5% of their income on rent, more than the 25.1% in Worcester. The Worcester ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.